Mayor's Weekly Messages

The devastating fires of last May caught many of us off guard since they occurred so early in the season. With more hot, dry weather still to come, fire officials ask you to look for potential fire hazards on or around your property. Here are some items to check for:

Trash, debris, and other combustible materials that create a fire hazard must be removed from the property.

Properties of one acre should be cleared of hazards (weeds) in their entirety.

Properties of more than one acre should have one hundred feet clearance from structures and fifty feet clearance around the perimeter.

Roadways and/or driveways shall be cleared of vegetation to at least the width of the roadway plus ten feet on each side, and a height of thirteen and one-half feet above the road surface.

Storage of firewood material shall be located a minimum of thirty feet from structures and separated from the crown of trees by a minimum of fifteen feet.

Property owners should clear any combustible material, weeds, brush, trees or other vegetation (including mulch) that is, or could become, dry and could be capable of transmitting fire.

I am pleased to announce that the Escondido City Council recently approved an allocation of $100,000 in the Capital Improvement Project budget for businesses wishing to make exterior improvements to their properties.

The Façade and Property Improvement Program was first established in 1988, and initially focused on businesses in Escondido’s historic downtown. Since then, the program has been expanded to include all permitted-use commercial and industrial properties within the city limits. To date, over 160 properties have benefitted from this successful program, which has awarded over $1 million in grants representing $9.8 million in private investment. The grant program provides matching funds of up to $25,000 per property based on linear frontage to a street or alley.

Recent grant recipients include Plan 9 Alehouse and BK Cellars Urban Winery and Tasting Lounge. Businesses in our pedestrian-oriented areas, like our historic Downtown and the Escondido Creek Trail, and businesses in our target economic areas, like South Escondido Boulevard and East Valley Parkway, are especially encouraged to apply.

Escondido is committed to our business community’s success by providing public funds to encourage private investment. For more information, contact Michelle Geller in the City Manager’s Office at (760) 839-4587 or mgeller@escondido.org .

Escondido’s 51st annual July 4th celebration & fireworks display in Grape Day Park is back this year with an exciting line-up featuring fun for the whole family! This exciting event celebrates our community’s patriotic heritage and shared the love of our great nation with all of Escondido.

Enjoy a variety of free entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. with a presentation by the American Legion followed by; The Soultones at the Main Stage (4:45p.m.), Woodstock Mud at the Main Stage (5:45 p.m.), The Fabulous Woodies at the Main Stage (6:45 p.m.), 1st Marine Division Bandinconcert at the Main Stage (8:05 p.m.), fireworks display by Fireworks America (approx. 9 p.m.) From 4-7p.m. the Escondido History Center will be open and there will be projects for children of all ages. A variety of refreshments will be available for purchase.

This event is generously sponsored by the Linden Root Dickinson Foundation, the City of Escondido, Latitude 33 Apartment Community, EDCO and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Please note: BBQs, alcohol, pets and tall chairs/canopies should not be brought to the park.

A well maintained property reflects the pride you have in your home, helps keep the area safe and healthy for you, your family and children, and maintains the city appearance we all want to see in Escondido.

Remove accumulated trash, junk, and debris from your property.

Check your trash cans to be sure they are stored out of the front yard and out of view.

Clean out your garage to make sure there is room to store your vehicle inside. A garaged car is off the streets and less likely to be broken into.

Ensure your landscape is well-maintained and weed- free.

Drain any standing water to avoid mosquito breeding.

These are just a few simple property maintenance practices that can make a big difference in your neighborhood. If everyone takes care of his property, the whole community will benefit. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these or any other code enforcement issues, please call the Code Enforcement Division at 760-839-4650. Thanks for helping to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe for all residents to enjoy.